Elizabeth Hurley slams 'spiteful' family rumours

The Austin Powers star began dating former cricket ace Warne in 2010 following her split from husband Arun Nayar and has since grown close to the Aussie's three kids with his ex-wife Simone Callahan.

Recent reports suggested there was tension between Hurley and Callahan because the children have nicknamed the star 'M2' - meaning 'mum number two' - but Hurley has now issued a heartfelt statement calling for an end to the hurtful speculation.

In a post on Facebook.com, she writes, "For the record, neither my fiance Shane nor I have ever asked his children to call me anything in particular and have never suggested any nicknames for me. Shane's three children started to call me 'M2', in an affectionate and light hearted way, over a year ago.

"I find it very upsetting that they have been accused publicly of being 'disrespectful' to their mother by doing this. I believe they were making the best of a situation into which they had been thrust, and it pains me that they are being criticised. They are very sweet children and do not deserve this.

"Melding families is never easy and we are all doing the best we can. Shane's children have been welcoming and inclusive to me and my son and we have a great time when we are together. I try very hard to look after them, and care for them, in the same way that I do my own son when they are with us and I wouldn't know any other way to be.

"I am writing this to remind spiteful and troublemaking publications that they are hurting four children by publishing such ridiculous remarks about them."